As you read this, I will have been serving as the president of ADCES for about 4 months. Can I just say that time has flown? We have experienced changes in so many areas of our lives. Changes that have impacted the way we live, work, play, eat, and so on.
Although these changes may have affected us all in different ways, some have pushed us to reconsider the things that we value—family, friends, freedom. However, despite these changes, we must maintain our focus on the things that are important to us and those that we serve. We cannot afford to waver in our commitment to ensure that people living with and affected by diabetes have the highest quality of education and resources to assist them in their day-to-day journey with diabetes.
On that note, I want to spend a few minutes talking about engagement with the organization and creating a pipeline for diabetes care and education specialists. No matter how we kick and fight against it, we are all aging. One of the benefits of aging is all the knowledge that we acquire along the way. Unfortunately, “knowledge is wasted when isn’t shared” (J. M. Cornwell).
To share our knowledge, we need to actively invite others into this space that we know and love. We must share with others why we are passionate about what we do. Sometimes, people need to be invited into spaces, encouraged to explore, and be made to feel welcome. As diabetes care and education specialists, we have a knack for engaging with people from various places and spaces, and it is up to us to “share the knowledge.” Sharing the knowledge involves letting others know about our Association. Some pertinent things to share about our association:
We foster an inclusive environment.
There are awards and recognition for accomplishments.
Opportunities exist for professional development.
We provide networking opportunities with fun social activities, such as annual conference.
Speaking of the ADCES annual conference—in order for us to care for others, we must first care for ourselves and ensure that our needs are met. One of the ways that ADCES seeks to refresh our focus, renew our commitment, and revive our passion for the people and the roles that we hold is the annual conference.
This year, the conference will be held in Phoenix, AZ, August 8 through 11. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Here We Thrive!” What does it mean to thrive? It’s to grow vigorously and flourish. In these times of change, we plan to offer you opportunities to adapt, become more resilient, and flourish. We have invited speakers to make you laugh, think, and expand your horizons. This conference promises to be enlightening and engaging.
Over the next few weeks to months, I want you to seriously consider and plan to join us in Phoenix for ADCES25, our annual conference. I also want you to ponder where in the Association you would like to get involved and who you can invite to share your experience of being a member of ADCES.
Wishing you peace and joy in the journey.